Page last update: 27 January 2025
How many people visit Acadia National Park each year?
Over 3.88 million tourists visited Acadia National Park in 2023.
- Acadia National Park welcomed 3.44 million visitors in 2019. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the number of visitors actually increased by 22% to 2.67 million.
- By 2021, visitor numbers reached 4.07 million, exceeding the pre-pandemic figure by 18%.
- Tourist numbers decreased in 2022 and 2023, with 3.97 million and 3.88 million visits, respectively.
How much do visitors spend at Acadia National Park every year?
In 2023, visitor spending at Acadia National Park amounted to $475.17 million.
- In 2019, visitors to Acadia National Park generated $379.52 million in expenditure. This decreased to $303 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.
- Tourists spent $486.05 million in 2021, exceeding the pre-pandemic by 28%.
- In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $478.82 million, and in 2023, this decreased by 1% to $475.17 million.
How many people visited Acadia National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, Acadia National Park welcomed 3.88 million visitors, with 173,492 overnight campers and 3.71 million same-day tourists. This was 13% higher than the visitors recorded in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in Acadia National Park in 2023?
- Visitors to Acadia National Park spent $475.17 million in 2023.
Impact of Coronavirus
Acadia National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- COVID-19 caused a 22.38% decrease in visitors, decreasing from 3.44 million in 2019 to 2.67 million in 2020 due to travel restrictions and safety concerns. A strong recovery followed in 2021, rising to 4.07 million visitors.
- Tourist spending fell from $379.52 million in 2019 to $303.73 million in 2020 (a 20% decrease), reflecting the decline in visitors. By 2021, spending totalled $486.05 million (a 60% increase), exceeding pre-pandemic levels and showing a strong economic rebound.
How popular is Acadia National Park?
- First National Park East of the Mississippi: Acadia holds the distinction of being the first national park established east of the Mississippi River. It was designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 and later became Acadia National Park in 1929.
- 12th Best National Park: In July 2024, Acadia was ranked 12th out of 63 national parks in the United
States by The Discoverer. - Acadia National Park ranked 7th as the most visited US National Park in 2023.
| Rank | Park | Recreation Visits | % of Total |
| 1 | Great Smoky Mountains NP | 13,297,647 | 14.39% |
| 2 | Grand Canyon NP | 4,733,705 | 5.12% |
| 3 | Zion NP | 4,623,238 | 5.00% |
| 4 | Yellowstone NP | 4,501,382 | 4.87% |
| 5 | Rocky Mountain NP | 4,115,837 | 4.45% |
| 6 | Yosemite NP | 3,897,070 | 4.22% |
| 7 | Acadia NP | 3,879,890 | 4.20% |
| 8 | Grand Teton NP | 3,417,106 | 3.70% |
| 9 | Joshua Tree NP | 3,270,404 | 3.54% |
| 10 | Olympic NP | 2,947,503 | 3.19% |
When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?
- The best time to visit Acadia National Park is in Autumn (September to October) when the park is in vibrant fall foliage and offers cooler, comfortable weather with fewer crowds.
- Summer (June to August) is another great option, providing warm weather, full access to trails, and a range of outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Acadia Travel Resources
What were Acadia National Park’s peak tourist months in 2023?
- In 2023, the peak tourist month in Acadia National Park was in August with 774,396 visitors in 2023. The warmest weather and full access to park facilities make it the most popular month for outdoor activities and family vacations.
- Nearly as busy as August, July (767,956 visitors), benefitted from summer vacations and ideal conditions for hiking and water activities.
- June (566,535 visitors) marked the start of summer with pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to July and August, attracting early-season travellers.
- Cooler weather and the beginning of autumn foliage season made September (643,506 visitors) a favourite among tourists for scenic drives and photography.
- Peak fall foliage drew visitors to Acadia National Park for stunning landscapes and comfortable hiking conditions in October 2023 (541,067 visitors).
What were the most popular types of camping at Acadia National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, the most popular types of camping at Acadia National Park were Tent Camping with 120,615 visits, followed by RV Camping with 49,704 visits.
- Other camping types in Acadia National Park included Concessionaire Camping, with 1,603 visits and Backcountry Camping, with 1,570 visits, catering to adventurers seeking remote, off-grid experiences.
Read more about Camping Statistics in the US.
Acadia National Park Facts
- Location: Acadia National Park is situated along the coast of Maine, primarily on Mount Desert Island.
- Establishment: Originally established as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 and renamed Acadia National Park in 1929.
- Size: Covers over 49,000 acres, including mountains, forests, lakes, and 47 miles of rugged coastline.
- Cadillac Mountain: The park’s highest point at 1,530 feet, and the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise from October to March.
- Wildlife: Home to moose, black bears, bald eagles, seals, and a variety of marine life.
- Activities: Offers hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, and stargazing, with 150+ miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads.
What are the most common causes of death in Acadia National Park?
There were 30 recorded deaths in Acadia National Park between 2007 and August 2024. Here are the main causes of death in the park:
- Fall (7 deaths)
- Medical – During physical activity (7 deaths)
- Drowning (5 deaths)
- Motor Vehicle Crash (4 deaths)
- Suicide (4 deaths)
- Homicide (1 death)
- Hypothermia (1 death)
- Undetermined (1 death)
Acadia National Park Safety Tips
When visiting Acadia National Park, prioritise safety for a secure and enjoyable experience:
- Trail Safety: Stick to marked trails, wear sturdy footwear, and choose trails suited to your abilities.
- Weather Preparedness: Check forecasts, dress in layers, and carry rain gear.
- Wildlife Safety: Observe animals from a distance and follow bear safety guidelines.
- Water Safety: Wear life jackets during activities and stay alert to tides and currents.
- Emergency Preparedness: Pack essentials (water, food, first-aid kit) and inform someone of your plans.
- Leave No Trace: Take all trash with you and respect nature.
- Vehicle Safety: Drive cautiously and watch for wildlife and pedestrians.
National Park (NP) Tourism Statistics
References
NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitations, Spending, Ranking, and Park Reports.